If you’ve ever wondered if you can paint without without sanding, I have the solution for you! Liquid Sandpaper! You can paint over stained wood, painted wood and so much more with this simple method.
Through the years, I have received the questions “can wood be painted without sanding”, “can cabinets be painted without sanding”, and “can trim be painted without sanding”? The answer is YES!
A few years ago, I discovered liquid sander deglosser. It’s a life changing product that has been around for years, but I just never noticed it nestled in on the shelf at the home improvement store.
To get paint to adhere to wood, you have to sand it, to rough up the surface. This allows the paint to grip the surface, especially with anything that’s varnished.
Liquid sandpaper dulls a glossy surface, with far less effort! It’s a great alternative to sandpaper that provides that same “rough” surface for paint to adhere.
A liquid sander deglosser brushes on quick and easy to remove the finish. It giving it a rough texture without the effort. You can save yourself a lot of time and purchase it online here.
What Surfaces Is Liquid Sander Deglosser Good For?
Painting over stained wood can be such a chore! I should know. We have painted dark cabinets, trim and doors in multiple homes now. You can easily paint over stained wood – if you sand first. It can take a long time. But who has time for that?
Whether you are painting over stained wood, lacquered wood or existing paint, you can use deglosser so that the new paint will properly adhere.
We have tested liquid sandpaper on:
Cabinets
Remove cabinet doors and hardware to ensure you coat all surfaces of your cabinet. This works on dark wood, light wood, even previously painted cabinets.
Trim and Moldings
Trim tends to experience a lot of wear and tear. Even the darkest stained wood can benefit from liquid sander deglosser and be primed and painted white or the color of your choice!
Furniture
Give a piece a facelift using liquid sander. Remove hardware. Make sure you do any drawers or cabinet doors separately to get all surfaces and corners.
Doors
Remove hardware and take it off of hinges to get all surfaces. This even works on inexpensive hollow core doors.
Liquid Sandpaper Test
- Apply it as described below.
- Prime and paint a small area and allow the paint to dry.
- With your fingernail or coin, do a scratch test to ensure that the paint adhered to the wood properly.
Benefits of Using Liquid Sander Deglosser
- Save time – If you’ve ever sanded, you know just how time consuming it can be.
- Saves money – This costs about $9 and uses a paint brush. Sandpaper and sanding pads (or sanders) can really add up. One bottle of this goes a long way!
- Easier – Unlike sandpaper, liquid sandpaper can easily get into nooks, crannies and crevices. It also doesn’t require any special tools or elbow grease.
Learn how to paint without sanding in the video below:
How to Paint Without Sanding
See below for the printable diy instructions. This was a glossy varnished buffet and you can see how dull it is after the deglosser. Work in a well ventilated area.
- Using the deglosser, apply with a paint brush over the surface of the wood. You can see how it dulled the stained wood in the image below.
- Allow it to penetrate the wood for 15 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a lint free cloth. Then you’re ready to prime and paint!
It’s the easiest sanding shortcut and I’ve found it to be very effective! It hasn’t failed me yet!
From here you can prime and paint using your favorite oil based or latex paint. (I use a water based latex paint).
You may have seen my pin how to paint without sanding on Pinterest…you can pin it here to save this idea for later!
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You may also like my favorite paint colors.
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How to Paint Without Sanding
An easy shortcut to paint wood without sanding for a durable finish.
Materials
Tools
- paint brush
- cloth
Instructions
- Brush deglosser on wood to cover entire surface.
- Allow it to penetrate the wood for 15 minutes.
- Wipe it off with a cloth.
Notes
Prime and paint as usual!
Note: This was originally posted February 2015.
Hello, I am painting a fireplace mantel. I have paint with a primer in it and I am definitely about to go purchase the deglosser, but I wanted to make sure I am not missing any steps.
1. Use the deglosser (follow the instructions)
2. Then I can paint right?
Yes, after it dries, but I always recommend a separate primer versus primer with paint, personally.
Hi there. Your blog post is the only one that made me feel confident about the projects i forsee doing. I just have a question, my dining table & console table is currently stained very dark brown like a walnut. The dining table has a wood feel to it, the console does not. The console is smooth to touch. Will the deglossed work for both? Also, if i paint it white would it be completely solid? Or would it look like white wood? I kind of want it to look like white wood. White white paint brand & color do you recommend? Thank you!!!
can I use the liquid sander deglosser on stained furniture and then restain to a darker color without sanding?
Yes
It seems to have worked so well for you with painting the piece afterwords but do you think it would work equally as well for a white-wash? I want to white wash my coffee table but it has so many ornate crevices I would be afraid to try sanding it all. Also what would you recommend for sealing it after the stripping and the white wash? I have children at home still and would rather they not be able to completely obliterate my hard work LOL
thank you for your energy and efforts!
I haven’t tested whitewash, so I can’t say for sure, but you could certainly test an area. I’m all about the simplest route possible!
Would the liquid deglosser allow me to whitewash old varnished pine walls? Sanding seems a much bigger (possibly uneven & messy) project!
I think so! Do a little test and make sure you like the effect.
I am so in agreement about the trendiness of painted furniture. I cringe when I see a “before & after” of a lovely, fine wooden antique! I want to tell everyone to step away from the paintbrushes and put DOWN the chalk paint!!! Haha! PSA: KNOW BEFORE YOU PAINT!
Having said that, I love what changing a stain can do to breathe new life into very darkly stained or poorly aged pieces. And as far as mass-fabricated (most furniture post 1980) – go crazy! That furniture needs a soul! =D
YES!
I have a jewelry armoire that has a full-length mirror on the front of it. It is a dark colored stain, but I’m not sure if it is made of real wood or just pressboard. I would like to paint it white. Will this deglosser work on this type of furniture as well?
Even if it’s veneer, it will work.
If I repainted my oak cabinets to white and I use the deglosser, do you still se the wood grain? I’d rather have the finished product a smooth white surface with no grain showing? Is this possible or do I need to use a specific paint?
Yes, but selecting the right primer could help eliminate that.
If painting oak cabinets to white and I use the deglosser, do you still see the wood grain through the paint?? Is their a particular paint I should use to not see the grain, I’d rather have a smooth finish.
We moved from NC into a 1979 custom home a year ago in IN and it has all stained trim, I hate it! We plan on moving in a year or two and think painting the trim will update it. What is your opinion? I would hate to hurt the value?
In a 70’s home, I would think that you’re best painting it, but would consult with a local realtor. In historic areas I tend to suggest that it remain in it’s original state.
I am going to paint a mismatched China hutch I acquired. Unfortunately it reeks of cigarette smoke. I’ve already washed it with vinegar water with slight improvement. I know Kilz makes a primer for odor control. Any experience with that or suggestions? The finish isn’t very glossy anymore so I’m no even sure about sanding (which I’m trying to avoid). Thanks!
My only recommendation would be a great primer like Kilz, unfortunately. Another option would be to store it in a garage that you could leave cracked to see if a little fresh air helps, too.
Julie I just wanted to let you know that I recently used Annie Sloan Graphite paint and her new Black Wax….to get a beautiful black finish on my end tables.
Will the deglosser be ok to use on painted white kitchen cupboards? Want to paint over the oil paint with latex based.
Absolutely! Oil paint vs latex may cause more issues. I’d consult a paint store first.
My daughter has white bedroom furniture. She wants it painted black. Should I use the deglosser and then paint it. Or should I use black Annie Sloan chalk paint? This is my first project and I want it to be easy, but also done right so it will last.
Either would work well, it just depends on the aesthetic you’re going for.
Hi Julie!
I’m new to the DIY world but have a couple questions. I have a wood headboard that is dark brown with a shiny finish. I also have a black vanity that also has a shiny finish, that i believe is also wood. My daughter wants both of them painted white but I’m a bit nervous. Would you suggest using the sander deglosser on both or the chalk paint? Just not sure which way I should go. Thank you so much for any suggestions as I take on these first projects!
Michele
I’ve never used chalk paint, but the deglosser will work well. Best wishes! I’m sure she’ll love them!
I must be reading this wrong…In the comments above in Feb 2015, you told Susan that you used chalk paint “all the time.” If you have used it, do you recommend using it, or do you prefer the deglosser method?
I used to. I love the finish of a traditional paint, the array of colors to choose from and feel chalk paint is kind of dated now.
This also gives a chip free finish.
I like both painted and plain wood furniture, but have been horrified at some of the “paint jobs” that I’ve seen. Why on earth PAINT a gorgeous, perfect, flame mahogany dresser made in 1840 – blue – with red stripes? Why strip original blue paint off a late 18th century blanket chest, then sand the heck out of it and slather it in gloss polyurethane? Why ruin beautiful old furniture from the early 20th century by covering it with paint, beating it with chains, leaving it in the rain, hitting it with a blow torch, then calling it “chippy” when it’s actually “crappy”? Some furniture DESERVES to be stripped or painted, but we’re responsible in some way for passing antiques and future antiques on to other generations, and we collectively ruin a lot of it.
Can I strip existing varnish using the deglosser and then re-stain? I’d like to stain our table and chairs in the dining room with a darker color stain.
You can, Martha! Have a great weekend!
So happy to hear about this. I’ve want to update and paint my staircase since I moved in 7 years ago but have been terrified of all the prep work. This makes it less intimidating. Thank You
Are you painting the treads as well, or just the risers? If painting the treads, I’d select a paint with some epoxy. Sherwin Williams will have some great suggestions.
Hi Julie! Question, I just found a free desk that had been painted black and sealed on the top of the desk. A friend is going to paint a design for me but I am having trouble finding whether or not we can paint directly, perhaps with acrylic paint, without having to to strip it or sand it and then repaint it black then adding the design?
Thanks so much for your advice!
Lisa
ps…I don’t know if you can see my email, but if you can, an email response would be most appreciated as I am on the go constantly! Much appreciation!
There are so many factors that go into this – I’m not sure what it’s sealed with, but for paint to truly adhere, it usually cannot go onto a “seal”. Also, not sure how long acrylic paint will last/adhere. Sorry I’m not much more help, but this is outside the standard painting realm that I do.
Much appreciation!!! 🙂
Are these safe to use for lead based white gloss paint on trim?
I would assume much safer than sanding, but would contact someone from the lead based paint resource to be sure.